ok i'm replacing my front drivers axle and so far i got the wheel off the strut unbolted from the lca, and the castle nut off of the ball joint but i can't get it to release from the spindle, i heard a c-clamp, any help with this?? i don't have a crowbar

 

Popping front lower ball joint

Works like a charm everytime.

Ali

 

I usually try hitting it with my hammer first, but I hit like a girl.

 

well just finished my first axle replacement and i think it was the smoothest of any of my projects i started not knowing what i was doing. that is after i had to run to autozone and get a ball joint fork(best tool ever) and a bigger hammer. but the castle nut that needs tightened back on the ball joint nut sucks!! the whole thing spun

 

After tearing a ball joint boot using the fork i thought there had to be an easier way. so way i did is position the fork between the LCA and the knuckle and wedged it in tight. then i took a 2 foot pipe and placed it over the end of the fork, and stuck a 3 ft breaker bar in the pipe as well. apply steady pressure and it will pop out.


amazing what leverage can do!

 

if your ball joint is spinning you should replace it,

that's the worst thing about removing ball joints with a fork, you can damage the boot or you can knock it loose, i'm not sure what method walker11 posted but if its the same sorry didn't click the link.

i use 2 methods. none of them even damage the ball joint or the boot at all

1. i put a big half inch ratchet in between the lower control arm and the steering knuckle. i raise the knuckle with a floor jack, put it up, slide the ratchet in between the area, and than release the floor jack and it pops off 90% of the time.

2. get one of those steering wheel pullers and clamp it on the lca and than spin the nut until it pops off.

 

if the whole thing is spinning while your trying to put the nut on(lower ball joint). try and find a way to pry down on top of the ball joint, while prying down tighten the nut. if it still spins, time for a new one. this works good for outer tie rods as well too.

i just re-read your post and noticed you finished already, but i leave this here for reference.

 

I try running a tap through the castle nut first or replacing the castle nut before replacing the ball joint or trying to clamp it.

 

How exactly do you Replace the ball joing? How do you get it off the lower control arm? Just use the ball joint tool to wedge it down?

 

I just replaced an axle yesterday and had to pop the lower ball joint. had it off in less than 2 minutes. it took longer to set it up than to pop it.

like i said wedge a ball joint seperator fork between the knuckle and the LCA, stick a pipe over the end of that tool so you have a few feet of leverage. then just apply steady downward pressure and it'll pop right out.